In the summer, Sint Truiden announced that Christian Lattanzio would take over from Thorsten Fink. The Italian only lasted six matches, failing to win any. In his place, the club quickly turned to the experienced Belgian head coach Felice Mazzu. Over his last two jobs, Mazzu has struggled to bring the magic touch he had had with former clubs such as Union St Gilloise.
However, it appears that he may well have his magic touch back again. Since taking over, Sint Truiden have not lost. They have won two and lost two, but more importantly, they look a much better side than they did during the first month of the season. Mazzu has brought a dynamism to the attack, with a fluidity built around playmakers Ryotaro Ito and Bilal Brahimi. Ito brings the passing qualities to unlock a defence, while Brahimi is the one tasked with driving at defenders. Alongside him are the likes of Adriano Bertaccini and Kahveh Zahiroleslam. Neither have the technical ability to match an Ito or a Brahimi, but their willingness to run makes the whole attacking approach effective.
During his time with Union, Mazzu enjoyed using a three at the back with full backs playing as wide midfielders. He has two in Louis Patris, on loan from Anderlecht, and Ryoya Ogawa that are willing to get forward and track back often. As a result, the defence looks far more settled. In midfield, Joel Chima Fujita helps cover when Ito goes forward.
Mazzu has needed a job that can help rebuild his reputation in Belgium. In Sint Truiden, it appears he has found the club to do just that.
